Redfish on the Fly Finally!

Let me rewind a few years. I was in love with the woman of my life. I had just bought a ring and we were on our way to Charleston, SC. I told her I was bringing a fly rod and had all the intention of the world to try to red fishing. I had every intention of doing so, but however other things were of more importance. My stomach was in a knots the entire trip down as I had no idea of how to pop the question and fishing was the last thing on my mind. Long story short, I proposed to my wife during that trip and we are still happily married!

So, present day we plan a wedding anniversary trip back to Charleston for a few days. I had been saving for a new gun, but decided that I really want to try the Redfish thing again, so there went the gun fund. A couple of phone calls and I got in contact with Captain David Camp of www.fishshallow.com, who had come very highly recommended by a co-worker and friend TJ Roy, manager of the Charlotte Orvis store.

So on the trip down I was all excited about the fishing trip that I had planned. When I was talking about it with my wife, she asked “What day are you fishing again?” “On Tuesday”, I replied. “You mean on our actual anniversary day!”, she exclaimed. Yes, like an idiot I had planned the fishing trip on our actual anniversary day! Oh, no! However, I have one of the most understanding wives around and she said it was no problem and not to worry about changing the trip around. I got very lucky when I hooked her.

The fishing trip was planned towards the end of the trip and leading up to it the weather had been amazing. However, a bad cold front moved in and it became very windy and cold. I was afraid that my Redfish trip would have to be cancelled due to weather. The day before meeting David, we spoke on the phone. I promptly asked, “So you’re going to turn the wind off right?” which was followed by a large amount of laughter. David assured me that he had some places that we could get out of the wind and we were still going fishing.

Finally, the fishing trip was here and I met up with David around noon. The plan was to catch an outgoing tide in the afternoon. We started by running up into some creek areas first. It wasn’t long until I was hooked up with the first Redfish of my life! All I can say is wow! I’ve caught a ton of different species of freshwater fish and even many in that 9 to 10 pound range, but none of them compare to the pull and fight of a Redfish. They are relentless! Just, when you think you have them whopped, they take another hard run and bust your knuckles! I had an 8 weight Helios completely doubled over! It was amazing.

I have been fly fishing since I was 15 and have had the opportunity to fly fish for many freshwater species from panfish to steelhead all over the United States. However, saltwater fly fishing is completely new to me, I may have a new bug! I’m ready to go back to the marsh and I’ve just returned.

Also, I have to give Captain David Camp a shout out for working his tail off! I’m sure polling a boat in 30 mph gusts is not easy! If you are in the area give him a shout (843) 532-7595 or check out is website at www.fishshallow.com. I promise you will have a great time.